Broncos Part Ways With Special Teams Starter in Final 53-Man Roster Cuts

The Denver Broncos released punter Sam Martin on Monday after he refused to take a pay cut.

Martin, 32, has been a reliable special teams player for nearly a decade in the NFL. After handling kickoff and punting duties for the Detroit Lions from 2013-2019, he signed with the Broncos prior to the 2020 season and has been their punter for the past two seasons.

Broncos Roster Cuts

Martin has been one of the better punters in the league throughout his career, especially during his time with Denver when he was able to focus exclusively on punting. He's ranked in the top 10 in yards per punt three times throughout his career, most recently in 2020.

With Martin's numbers still holding strong, it makes sense why he was unwilling to accept a reduction in salary. The Broncos apparently could not afford to keep him, however, and cut him because of his price tag rather than his performance.

As a steady, experienced punter, Martin will likely generate interest from other teams around the league looking to upgrade at the position. He may have to ultimately accept a pay cut from another team in order to play, though, whether he likes it or not.

For now, the Broncos enter the season with +1700 odds to win Super Bowl LVII on FanDuel Sportsbook.